Memoirs of Akbar Hashemi – May 5, 1997

We went to the international exhibition to open the exhibition of administrative reforms. The majority of almost all ministries have booths and display structural, procedural, regulatory and instrumental reforms. Good things have been done; I saw everything and heard the explanation. It took an hour and a half. In the ceremony hall, Mr. [Syed Mohammad] Mirmohammadi, [Secretary General of the Administrative and Employment Organization] explained. I gave a certificate of appreciation to the successful managers and gave a speech about the successes and suggested that the people of opinion see the exhibition and offer their suggestions.

I went to the office. Mr. [Abbas Ali] Vakili, [head of the headquarters for handling the affairs of freedmen] came. He gave a report on the work of the Azadegan headquarters and asked for more help and new facilities. Governor, Imam Juma and representatives of Lorestan province came. They insist on my traveling there and establishing a petrochemical unit. Mr. [Ali] Fallahian, [Information Minister] came. He reported on an espionage case and talked about the [presidential] elections and the steady rise of Mr. [Syed Mohammad] Khatami's votes.

In the evening, the Economic Council had a meeting with several resolutions; including the distribution of credits in Note 48 and determining the price of petrochemical products and tea. Today, after broadcasting the news of the parliament meeting to thank me, the opponents of Mr. Natiq [Nouri], who think this program is for Mr. Natiq's propaganda, had many references and requested to delay it until after the elections, which I finally accepted.